Endoscopic light source safety and control system with optical sensor

Abstract

Disclosed is an endoscope light source safety system including visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to endoscopic systems, and more specifically to an endoscopic system having an optical detection means for determining the presence of an endoscope. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventional endoscopes are often supplied with illumination from an external light source. Such light sources generally include high powered lamps, such as xenon lamps. The light sources are generally coupled to the endoscope by means of a detachable waveguide or fiber optic light cable. [0003] An endoscope may be disconnected from the waveguide while still energized by the light source. Light exiting from the waveguide may therefore cause damage if the waveguide is set down without the medical instrument attached. For example, the light may damage operating drapes, a patient's skin, or clothing. Therefore, it is desirable that the light exiting the waveguide be attenuated when the endoscope is determined to be disconnected from the waveguide. [0004]...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] These and other objectives are achieved by providing an endoscope light source safety system, comprising visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

[0010] Further provide

Problems solved by technology

Light exiting from the waveguide may therefore cause damage if the waveguide is set down without the medical instrument attached.

For example, the light may damage operating drapes, a patient's skin, or clothing.

However, Both Hattori and Konoshima disclose only means for detecting the presence of a connection between a connector and a socket of a light supply.

Therefore, the teachings of Bellahsene may not be used to detect the presence of an endoscope in existing endoscopic systems without using the specialized cable.

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